One of the reasons that I treat teens and adults with ADD/ADHD is that I struggled with the disorder when I was young. Unfortunately, back in the old days the terms ADD/ADHD, Learning Disorder, Auditory Processing Disorder, and so on did not exist. Other terms such as not trying hard enough, lazy or even stupid were used. Many kids simply gave up on their educations and themselves.
What has changed since the early 70's is that we have new tools better help kids who are struggling with their learning and behavior. Special Education, counseling, medication, accomodations and even personal coaching can all make a significant contribution to academic and life success. ADD does not have to be a life sentence of frustration and failure.
Despite the tools that are available kids and families come to my office feeling the same frustration and discouragement that I once experienced. The tools that are available seem to have a modest impact on academic difficulty and conflict in the family. In fact, the tools that we now use may make these kids (and families) feel even more discouraged resulting in a style of living that avoids facing the tasks of life.
An estimated 7 to 10% of people worldwide meet the diagnosis for ADD/ADHD.
If you or your child have this diagnosis you are in good company. Since 1937, the ADD syndrome has been variously described as Minimal Brain Dysfunction, Hyperactive Syndrome, Executive Control Disorder, and so on. All these various terms point to children who cannot focus thier attention on what needs to be done. In addition, it is not unusal for such people to have other co-existing problems in learning, emotional regulation, socializing, and behavior. When these disturbances are added together once can see that worldwide ADD are higher than 10%.